Equal Marriage: Just call it Marriage!

Publish Date: 28/03/2014

With the historic passing of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in England and Wales last year, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (The LGF) are excited to celebrate the first weddings which will be taking place from Saturday 29th March.

Same-sex marriages, or marriage as we at The LGF like to call it, is a very positive step forward towards reaching full equality for the entire country. The lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) community deserve to have the same opportunity as heterosexual people - to marry someone they love, whether their partner is of the same-sex or not.

It’s wonderful for everyone, not just LGB people, to celebrate what it means to openly share your love for your partner in front of your family and friends.

Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, said: “Today is a historic day, not just for the lesbian, gay and bisexual community, but for the entire country.

“Last Summer, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill received Royal Assent and became an Act of Parliament. This enshrined equal marriage in law and allowed same sex couples to marry in England and Wales.

“From today, ‘equal marriage’ – or ‘marriage’ as we like to call it - becomes reality.

“The LGF actively campaigned for the implementation of the Act, and our 'Love Equal Marriage' campaign received thousands of messages of support from across the country, with supporters taking direct action by contacting their local MP’s. The LGF also lobbied MP’s and Lords, and took to the streets to speak to people about this important issue. A huge thank-you to all who ensured their voices were heard within this important campaign. It’s down to them that we have reached this milestone on the road to full equality today.

“Everyone at The LGF would like to wish those taking advantage of this change in law - both this weekend, and from now on - a long and happy future together. Congratulations!”